Frequently Asked Questions

About Methamphetamine

"METH"

METH LA

     The use of methamphetamine has been increasing rapidly across the nation and the frequency of Meth Labs being found in the City of Waynesboro area has both citizens and law enforcement justifiably concerned.  While Waynesboro Police are aggressively tackling this problem, many people have questions about just what a Meth lab consists of, and how they can spot one if there's one operating in their neighborhood. 

The Basics:

Methamphetamine itself is an addictive stimulant drug that strongly activates certain systems in the brain.  Methamphetamine is closely related chemically to amphetamine, but the central nervous system effects of methamphetamine are greater.   Methamphetamine is made in illegal laboratories and has a high potential for abuse and dependence.  Street methamphetamine is referred to by many names such as "crank", "speed," "Meth," and "chalk."  Methamphetamine hydrochloride, clear, chunky crystals resembling ice, which can be inhaled by smoking, is referred to as "ice," "crystal," and "glass."   To read more information on this illegal drug link to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

 Most labs are found in rural cities and suburban residences.  They find their way to barns , garages , and other out buildings.  Some other places include back rooms of business , apartments , hotel and motel rooms , storage facilities , vacant buildings and sometimes vehicles .

These labs are characteristically small and make use of common household appliances, glassware and chemicals that are readily available in most stores.  Some of the chemicals used are listed at the bottom of the page, though ingredients may include over-the-counter cold and asthma medications containing ephedrine or pseudophedrine, red phosphorus, hydrochloric acid, batter acid, Coleman Fuel, ether and antifreeze.

Besides the proliferation and distribution of the drug itself, the concern with Meth labs is the fact that the people manufacturing the drugs are non-skilled, and the manufacturing process requires the superheating of chemicals such as propane , Coleman Fuel , ether , and acetone , which result in devastating  explosions in residential areas.

Methamphetamine: The availability and demand for methamphetamine continues to increase throughout Tennessee. Much of the methamphetamine consumed in the state is transported from Mexico and the Southwest Border area. Clandestine methamphetamine labs can be found anywhere in Tennessee and are encountered almost daily by law enforcement. Tennessee accounts for 75 percent of the methamphetamine lab seizures in the Southeast. These facts are a stark contrast to the problem of a few years ago. The labs that are discovered in Tennessee are generally characterized as small and unsophisticated, and it is the product of these labs most often encountered and seized by law enforcement. These clandestine methamphetamine labs pose a significant threat because lab operators are frequently armed and are substantially involved in the drug's distribution. Southeast Tennessee has seen a significant increase in the activities of structured Mexican methamphetamine trafficking groups. These groups control much of the methamphetamine distribution in the Chattanooga area. Command and control for these Mexican organizations are frequently found in the Dalton, Ga. area. In addition, there is anticipation of an increase in methamphetamine use in Tennessee as the drug gains popularity over crack cocaine use. (Source: U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration)

"What do I look for if I suspect a "Meth" lab in my neighborhood?"

 Many people may be unaware that they're living near a Meth lab.  Here are some things to look for and photo's that show you exactly what both Meth and the equipment used to make it looks like:     

              

Because of the varied types of methamphetamine labs, an explanation of exactly what to look for could consume volumes of pages. The easiest way for someone to tell if what they have observed is an illicit drug lab is to look for some or all of the following indicators :

• Unusual, strong odors (like cat urine, a "rotten egg smell", ether, ammonia, acetone or other chemicals).

• Residences with windows blacked out.

• Renters who pay their landlords in cash. (Most drug dealers trade exclusively in cash.)

• Lots of traffic - people coming and going at unusual times. There may be little traffic during the day, but at night the activity increases dramatically.

• Excessive trash including large amounts of items such as: antifreeze containers, lantern fuel cans, red chemically stained coffee filters, drain cleaner and duct tape .

• Unusual amounts of clear glass containers being brought into the home.

• Open windows in cold weather.

• People leaving the building to smoke.
   

EFFECTS OF "METH"

Photos courtesy of Putnam County Health Department, Tennessee Tech University, the District Attorney's Office of the 13th Judicial District, as well as several agencies in the Upper Cumberland Region. 

Call 911.
Notify the Waynesboro Police Department because besides being illegal, Meth labs are

EXTREMELY DANGEROUS.

This is page is for purely informational purposes and the materials used herein are provided for the complete usage of the public and private sectors wishing to educate people on the hazards of clandestine methamphetamine labs.